pelanginadeyadamia: Martha Stewart and all things sparkly....

Today was a fun day for me. I went to Jennifer Paganelli's Sis Boom Holiday Open House. Jennifer's home is entirely lovely. The minute you walk up the path you can see the most beautiful things she's created sparkling through the windows and beckoning you to come inside. I wish I thought to take some photos (I know, I know, sorry 'bout that, I was too wrapped up in chatting with others who were equally in awe of their surroundings...) but you can see some of her magical and lovely creations by clicking around on her website. I did buy a few of her special fabrics that just may find their way into some Original Christmas Corgi Art Dolls. While there, a man came in and picked out a gorgeous wreath full of sparkly vintage ornaments that his wife loved and told him about. What a lovely Christmas gift she will be receiving from her very thoughtful sweetheart.

Before I went to Jennifer's, I decided to brave the crowds at Stew Leonards in Norwalk, Connecticut where Martha Stewart would would be signing her new "Cooking School" book. I'm so glad I did. The entire process was run like a well-oiled machine. From where to park if you wanted to meet Martha, to police escorting you across the street, to very sweet employees taking you up to the beautifully decorated conference room, it was all very pleasant. My friends know that I am a bit (ok, a lot) claustrophobic so I tend to avoid situations where I may be squished like a panini with no way out. Stew's did a great job in making that not happen. Even as we had to serpentine to the front of the line, there were wide tables filled with cookies and their holiday brochures along the way. I was in line with a very nice gal, Katherine, who was as excited as I was to see Martha, which made the waiting time pass quickly. We really had fun anticipating getting our books signed.

Even though things moved along rather quickly, I must say that the atmosphere was happy and relaxed and Martha took a few moments with each person to chat. I have to tell you that she is really, really pretty in person. Right before it was my turn to see Martha, her adorable French Bulldog, Francesca, popped out from beneath the table. So of course, instead of telling her how much I have enjoyed the inspiration she has given me over the years, what is the first thing out of my mouth? "So, I saw your new Chow Chow puppy on your blog...he's really cute, are you going to show him?" (Which proves that you can take the girl out of the dog show, but you can't take the dog show out of the girl....) "Oh, Yes!" Martha said, and then she told me that she just loves Corgis, too. When my turn was over, we were directed back down to the front of the store. I ran in to buy a couple of 1/2 gallons of Stew's lowfat chocolate milk for my daughter. Come to think of it, I think it is the first time in my life that I've ever used the 'express' line at Stews, since I usually leave there with a basket full. The two police officers sporting their spiffy blue mirrored sunglasses were still outside to stop traffic so we could get back across the busy street to our cars. "I just met Martha Stewart" I told them with a smile. "Was it a 'good thing'?" they asked, smirking back at me. "Yes," I replied. "A very good thing!"